Stories
10 stories that shaped our work in global nutrition this year
December 19, 2025
Anaemia remains a significant global public health concern, affecting approximately 30% of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49) and contributing to fatigue, reduced productivity, poor pregnancy outcomes and increased maternal and neonatal risk. While causes are multifactorial, nutritional deficiencies — particularly iron and other key vitamins and minerals — are a leading driver. Large-scale food fortification of staple foods such as wheat flour, rice, maize flour, and oil is a widely used strategy to address these gaps, though data on coverage and compliance remain limited in many countries. Evidence suggests fortification can improve micronutrient status and increase hemoglobin levels, with reductions in iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies.
This review and meta-analysis assesses the impact of fortified staple foods on hemoglobin and anemia among women of reproductive age (10–49 years), including studies with and without control groups, and estimates hemoglobin change associated with iron-fortified grains to inform modelling and policy.